Typewriter ribbon attachment



Nov. 10, 1936. J c, HQCHMAN 2,060,315

TYPEWRITER RIBBON ATTACHMENT Filed Jan. 30, 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet} ll MW \l \l'l INVENTOR 43 17 93 Judas Ci/Yockman a BY 14 4a Mfl *W? 47 I ATTORNEYS Nov. 10, 1936. H A 2,060,315

' TYPEWRITER RIBBON ATTACHMENT Filed Jan. 30,1932 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Jzfi'as CY/faa/mrz BY OQM Q'Q u-WA q 4% ATTORNEYS Patented Nov. 10, 1936 UNITED STATES amen;

PATENT OFFICE NLv present invention relates primarily to typewriting machines although it has a wider field of application to machines more generally of the type in which a plurality of printing impressions are concurrently made on more than one sheet. and the invention relates more particularly to the ribbon devices for such machines.

.An object of the invention is to provide a ribbon holder unit of compact construction, embodyling facilities for retaining a plurality of ribbon lengths in correctly coordinated relation for simultaneous production 'ofa multiplicity of ribbon copies. I

Another object is to provide a ribbon holde of the above type 'in which but a single holder is required for retaining the opposite ends of a multiplicity of lengths of ribbon in correctly coordinated relation and in which said holder is of thin construction in nowise interfering with the facility of positioning of the ribbon lengths relative to the platen in use.

Another object is to provide a ribbon holder of the above type by which the sheets of paper may be conveniently introduced between various ribbon lengths without smudging, and which aflords.

facility for juxtaposing the ribbons and sheets in closely interleaved relation and contiguous to the platen in Another object is to provide a ribbon device of the above type. of simple and inexpensive conof the anchor devices are mounted. Preferably,

the anchor devices are movably disposed about pivots for the purpose of separating the parallel ribbon lengths for insertion of the sheets to be imprinted, the anchor devices being brought into substantially a common plane for close juxtaposition of the ribbons and sheets in typing use. In a preferred embodiment the pivoting arrange ment is oblique so that the ribbon lengths would be staggered vertically with respect to each other in separating the ribbons tor enhanced iacility of applying paper Freterobly the anchor devices are remcvsblv mounted on the respective mounting pins, and said pins in turn part of s. resilient holding frame wlilcii pieces the successive ribbon lengths under tension in me.

a modification.

The ribbon anchor devices afford ribbon supports parallel to the respective pivot mounts, and said ribbon supports may, among other possible constructions, be in the form of ribbon crimping edges at the extremities of the clips or of straps formed as unitary parts of the devices, engaged by metal hooks atj-the ends of the respective ribbon. lengths or a. single closed loop of typewriter ribbon may extend in runs back and forth through successive slots from one to the other of the two anchor devices. a

In the accompanying drawings in which are shown one or more of various possible embodiments of the severalieatures of the invention:

Fig. l is a perspective view of the ribbon holding irame with the ribbon applied thereto;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view on a larger scale with part of the ribbon length cut away showing the detail of the ribbon frame construction;

Fig. 8 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 3-301 Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary front view showing a pair of ribbon mounts in position;

Fig. 5 is a perspective'view of Fig. 4 showing the ribbon lengths in separated and staggered position;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken on line 88 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 'I is a view similar to Fig. 2 of an alterna-' tive embodiment;

Fig. 8 is a transverse sectional view on line 88 of Fig. l; 1 i

Fig. -9 is a plan View s lowing the ribbons in separated position in the embodiment of Figs. 7 and 8; j v

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the ribbon lengths of the latter embodiment in separated position;

Fig. 11 is a transverse sectional view of another embodiment with rts thereof broken away;

Fig. 12 is a iront ew of the clip and the mount thereof shown in the embodiment of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the ribbon mounting hook employed in the latter embodiment; and

- Fig. 14 is a fragmentary perspective view or Reforming now particularly to Fig. i, there is shown a typewriter ribbon grams of the character generally claimed in Patent No. hilfltfi le, of October 3, i931, intended to be used primarily to produce concurrently a plurality oi ribbon copies on a typewritlng machine. The coordination of the ribbon ironic with respect to the typewriting machine, is snbstantinlly identical with that oi gitudinal bar 20 of sheet metal having preferably curved end arms 2i adapted to accommodate the curvature of platen P. Upstandlng ears 22, each preferably with a pair of notches 23 and 24 coact alternatively with the paper clip, bar or other device (not shown) carried on the typewriter carriage, all as more fully set forth in my prior patent.

In the present embodiment the lower ends of the arms 2i have each a struck up metal loop- 25 mounting a ribbon carrying support pin 26. The pin has a hooked end 21 which frictionally fits into the loop 25 for secure mount and the portion of the pin which projects below the arm 2i is preferably set at an oblique angle with respect to the arm. The lower end 28 of the support pin carries the ribbon mounting anchor or clip which in the embodiment of Figs. 2 and 3 comprises a unitary sheet metal stamping 29 having a down struck loop 30 flanked by up struck loops 3! and 32, said loops preferably at the upper half of the anchor 29, which is slotted at 35 along the lower half thereof.

Loops 30, 3i and 32 being slipped over the pin 28 thus frictionally hold the clip in place on the mounting arm. The lateral edges of the anchor clip 29 which are parallel to the slot 33 of the anchor are crimped over at 34 and 35 to clasp the corresponding ends of two lengths of ribbon 26 and 31 respectively, the opposite ends of which ribbons are similarly crimped at the edges of an identical anchor or clip mounted at the opposite arm of the holder in identically the manner just described. Corresponding parts of the right hand member are'designated by the reference numerals primed as the left hand member.

In Figs. 4 and 5 the identical construction shown in Figs. 2 and 3 is employed, but in addition a wider clip 40 is employed which has a mounting loop construction embodying upstanding loops 4i and 42, and a downwardly extending loop 43, all engaging the lower end of pin 28 in identically the same manner as the loops of the narrower anchor plate 29 engage the upper part of the pin. The lateral edges of the wider clip 40 crimp the ends of the corresponding ribbons 45 and 41 as best shown in Fig. 5 at 44 and 45 respectively, the two anchor stampings 29 and 40 being thus insuperposed relationship as shown. A duplicate of the anchor clip 40 would, of course, be used at the right hand side of the holder to mountthe opposite extremities of the ribbon lengths 46 and 41.

While the use of the construction described will be apparent to those skilled in the art, it is briefly noted that where two ribbons are to be .employed, the device of Fig. 3 is employed, while where four ribbons are to be used for a corresponding number of copies the additional clips 40 are applied as shown. In use of the latter embodiment the clips are pivoted outward as best shown in Fig. 5, thereby not only separating the parallel lengths of ribbons but staggering them so that the upper edge of ribbon 41 is at a level considerably higher than that of 46 and the upper edges of the intervening ribbons are at correspondingly stepped levels. The paper sheets can thus be conveniently introduced between successive ribbons by first introducing the rear sheet and successively those in front thereof, whereupon the clips are turned down against the platen in substantially parallel relation, thereby bringing the successive ribbons and paper sheets in closely juxtaposed relation against the platen for typing. It will be seen .that in separating the ribbons for applying or removing the paper or in feathering or flattening the anchor plates or clips against the platen, only one of the anchor plates need be manually engaged since by the tension through one or more of the ribbons the companion anchor or clip would be at all times in corresponding position.

In the embodiment of Figs. '7 to 9 the frame I from, and an intervening loop 53 pressed down- 1 ward to form a hinge sleeve about the pin 28. The clip has slots 54 and 55 parallel to the hinge pin sleeve and its outer edge is preferably notched, as shown to afiord shoulders 56 and 51. The two clips at opposite sides are identical in construction.

In this embodiment a single length of ribbon is threaded back and forth, as shown, from one to the other of the clips. The outer strand 58 extends about the edge of clip 50 as at 59 and thence through slot 54, from which a second strand 50 extends to the right through slot 54 of anchor clip 50, thence the ribbon passes about the hinge of said latter clip, through slot 55, back in a strand 6i to clip 50, thence through slot 55 in a return run 62 about the-outer edge of clip 50 and 5ll, the free ends of the ribbon being stitched or otherwise secured together at 53 to form a closed loop.

When the anchor clips are moved in position parallel to each other, as shown in Fig. 9, strands 58, 80, 8| and 62 are spaced from each other for convenience in insertion of the papers, and when the clips are feathered or flattened against the platen in substantially a. common plane the ribbon lengths are brought into juxtaposition against the respective papers and against the platen for typing. The present construction thus affords facilities for producing four ribbon copies from a single length of looped ribbon.

Many of the advantages inherent in the embodlment of Figs. 1 to 6 are present in this instance also, as appears more particularly in Fig. 10, in which the successive lengths of ribbon are staggered with respect to each other at the upper edges thereof for greater convenience in insertion of the paper sheets. In the present embodiment also, when used with the frame best shown in Fig, 1, the area of the ribbon widths subjected to type impact may be set at will for use of the upper or lower half of the ribbon.

The present embodiment presents another important advantage in permitting the effective use of the entire length of the ribbon. When the central region of the ribbon has been substantially used it is merely necessary to pull the ribbon forward, drawing it, say by one-quarter inch, through the respective slots and about the respective clips, to include in the portion subject to type impact a fresh length of ribbon, and to permit recuperation of the partially exhausted portion of ribbon which has been shifted out of the area of type impact. Thus the entire ribbon length can be effectively used by successive adiustments after wear, afiording an effective life many times that of ribbons that do not admit of substantial adjustment of position longitudinally thereof.

In the embodiment of Figs. ll, 12 and 13, the clip 55, preferably also of sheet metal, is mounted accents by a loop structure, similar to that of Figs. 1 to 10 on a pin 28", also preferably identical with those previously described.

The anchor clip construction is in this instance provided with a. plurality of slots. 65, 6'! and 58 at one side of the hinge mount, and a similar set of slots 66', 61' and 68' at the oppositeside of the hinge mount. These slots determine between them straps 69 and H3 at one side, and 69' and ill at the other side of the hinge, and terminal straps to and it at oposite edges of the clip. Separate lengths of ribbon ill, ii, 12 and 13 are employed, each length being crimped as at H to a sheet metal anchoring hook l5 at the end thereof, with hook formation it aligned with the upper and lower edges of the ribbon, such hook formations straddling the respective straps B9 and 89', 8B and St on the anchor clip. The construction at the right clip 55 is identical in every respect with the/oat the left, and the same reference numerals primed on the former designate corresponding parts on the latter. By this construction it will be apparent that the same advantages inherent in the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 6 are accomplished, and the additional advantage that without further modification, any number of ribbon lengths may be employed within the limits of the clip construction.

While in the various embodiments the maximum of four ribbon lengths are shown, it will be understood that the idea could be carried forward for the use of a greater number of such ribbons, although in general no more than four would be employed.

In the embodiment of Fig. la, the ribbon anchor unit instead oi being supported from the ribbon frame by a pivot as in the other embodiments, is pivoted to the end of a clip structure similar to that or" my prior Patent No. 1,826,074, and latched to the arm of the ribbon frame.

In the particular construction shown in'the drawings the ribbon lengths 35 and d5 respectively, are crimped as at bl to the anchor 8b which has hinge loops i353 struck up therefrom coacting with corresponding hinge loops 9d of the clip structwe iii, a hinge pintle pin 92 maintaining the anchor and the mounting clip in assembled relation. I

The clip which in itself is the subject matter of my prior patent and of other applications still pending, need not be described in detail. Prelerably it includes straps $3 in the plane of the clip and a struck down strap 9t therebetween presenting a sheath into which is inserted the tapered end at of the ribbon frame mounting arm. The tapered end presents a latch tooth so and a latch shoulder 99 for snug engagement with the clip strap.

It will be readily understood that in use the anchor clip is hinged over fiat against the mounting clip bringing the tworlbbons 85 and at into contiguity. While in this embodiment the pintle pin has been shown vertical, it will be understood that it could be arranged in inclined position as in the other embodiments for staggering oi the upper edges oi the ribbon lengths. it will be also understood that the anchor mounting arrangement shown in the embodiment of Fig. it could be substituted in each of the other embodiments.

With the use of ribbons oi the type commonly employed and the relativelyv soft rubber platen as an anvil or backing, it is found that the lowermost of the four or more copies simultaneously produced tends to blur. It is, therefore, desirable in many cases to provide a metal backing for the various ribbons against the platen measure a sharp impact. It is accordingly desirable in the embodiment of Fig. 1, for instance, assuming that three ribbons only are to be used, that the rear ribbon 41 be a metal ribbon to take such impact. In the embodiment of Figs. 11 to 13, the ribbon might similarly be made of metal.

With the use of such metal ribbon or backing the impressions from each ofthe inked ribbons would be sharper than in the absence of such metal ribbon.

It will thus be seen that there is herein described apparatus in which the several features of this invention are embodied, and which apparatus in its actionattains the various objects of the invention and is well suited to meet the requirements of practical use.

As many changes could be made in the above construction, and many apparently widely difierent embodiments of this invention could be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention what E claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. A. multiple copy ribbon device comprising a: support, a pair of multiple ribbon anchors at opposite ends of the support, ribbon lengths ex tending in a plurality of runs from one to the other of the anchors, said support and said anchors being constructed and arranged for varying the spacial relation oi the various lengths of rib-. hon without varying their tension. v

2. A multiple copy device for a typewriting machine comprising a holder frame, a pair of movable ribbon anchors at opposite ends or" said frame, each of said anchors having a plurality of parallel ribbon engaging means, ribbons engaged with said anchors and movable therewith, said frame including means for maintaining constant tension upon the various ribbons during any movement of said ribbons.

3. A multiple ribbon holder comprising a mounting frame including pivot mounts near the ends thereof, a pair of multiple ribbon anchors having quick-detachable releasable connection with respect to said mounts, each of said ribbon anchors comprising a flat structure having a plurality oi? parallel ribbon engaging parts to separate the said ribbons when in pivoted position.

4. A multiple-copy device for a typewriting machine comprising a holder, a pair of ribbon anchors mounted at opposite ends of the holder, lengths or ribbon fixed to and extending between the anchors, said anchors being movable with respect to the support for spaced relation "oi the ribbons for applying sheets to be typed and for bringing such ribbons in juxtaposition in use.

5. As an article of manufacture, a typewriter ribbon holder including a pair of ribbon support arms and a. plurality of parallel lengths of typewriter ribbon connected between said arms andmeans associated with said arms for increasing or decreasing the space between said ribbons at will.v

6. A multiple typewriter ribbon holder including a pair of support arms, each arm having a multiplicity of ribbon holding devices thereon arranged to dispose a plurality of ribbons to extend in parallel relation between said arms,

said devices being movably disposed with respect thereon arranged to dispose a plurality of ribbon' lengths to extend in parallel relation from one to the other of said mounts, the supports on each of said mounts, being formed in a unitary fiat structure adapted to be pivoted about its mount into a common plane with the parallel ribbons in closely contiguous relation.

8. In a multiple ribbon holder for a typewriting machine, the combination of a pair of ribbon mounts, a pair of identical multiple ribbon clips pivotally disposed on the respective mounts and having ribbon supporting devices thereon, whereby for insertion of the paper the clip structures may be disposed in parallel planes to space the ribbon lengths from each other, and in use they may be disposed in substantially a common plane to bring the ribbon lengths in close contig'uity with each other.

9. In a multiple ribbon holder, the combination of a pair of multiple ribbon holding supports adapted for engagement with a multiplicity of connecting ribbon lengths," said ribbon holding supports being pivotally mounted for synchronous movement in the same direction when engaged with said ribbon lengths, and resilient means tending to draw said supports apart to maintain the connecting ribbon lengths under tension.

10. A multiple ribbon holder comprising a pair of spaced ribbon retaining clip structures, each having a plurality of ribbon supports, said clip structures being mounted for movement of said ribbon supports into planes effecting a change in the distance between said ribbons and the relative levels of the upper edges of said ribbons.

11. A multiple typewriter ribbon holder including a pair of oblique spaced mounting pins, sheet metal clips having central pivot slots pivotally mounted about the pins, each of said clips having ribbon supporting conformations parallel to the pivot mounts thereof.

12. A multiple typewriter ribbon holder including a pair of spaced mounting pins, sheet metal clips having central pivots mounted about the pins, each of said clips having ribbon clasping conformations parallel to the pivot mounts thereof, the pivot mount of the clip extending but part of the length of the mounting pin, the unoccupied portion of the pin being adapted to receive a second clip of greater width than the first clip having central pivots engaging the unoccupied I length of the pivot pin.

13. A multiple typewriter ribbon mount comprising a support structure, a pair of downwardly extending parallel pins, a composite ribbon mounting clip structure on each of said pins, each of said composite structures comprising a sheet metal clip having a central pivot strap conformation extending over half the length of the each of said clips having a hinge loop construction parallel to and substantially midway between the said extremities of the clips.

15. As an article of manufacture, a double ribbon construction comprising a pair of sheet metal clips, ribbon lengths having their ends clasped to the opposite extremities of said clips. each of said clips having an integral hinge loop construction parallel to and substantially midway between the said extremities of the clips, said loop extending approximately along half the width of the clip, said clip longitudinally slotted in alignment with the hinging axis of said loop.

16. In a multiple typewriter ribbon structure. a pair of ribbon mounts to be disposed near opposite ends of the platen and arranged at an angle with respect to the vertical, fiat ribbon clip structures pivotally disposed on the respective mounts, and having aplurality of ribbon clasps thereon mounting a plurality of ribbon lengths in substantially parallel relation, whereby in one position of said clips the ribbon lengths will be widely spaced and their upper edges stopped for facility of paper insertion, and in operating position the ribbon clips will be in a common plane and the ribbon lengths closely disposed with respect to the paper.

17. A multiple ribbon holder comprising a pair of downwardly extending parallel inclined pins, and a pair of fiat ribbon holding clips having inclined bearing portions, adapted for pivotal movement about said pins, each of said clips having a plurality of clasps for ribbon retention.

18. A multiple copy device for a typewriting machine comprising a holder frame, a pair of ribbon anchors mounted at the ends of said frame about parallel axes inclined to the vertical, each of said anchors having a plurality of ribbon engaging portions parallel to the pivot thereof, and successive parallel strands of ribbon extending from one to the other of said anchors whereby said ribbon lengths can be disposed in relation convenient for inserting the paper and upon feathering said anchors to substantially parallel relation said ribbon lengths are drawn into close juxtaposition for typing.

19. A multiple copy device for a typewriting machine including a frame having pivot mounting pins in parallel relation and inclined to the vertical, a pair of ribbon anchor clips in pivotal relation to said pins, each of said clips having parallel supports for retaining a plurality of ribbons to extend in parallel relation between said clips, said clips in parallel relation permitting ready insertion of paper and in feathered relation disposing the ribbons in closely superposed relation for typing.

20. As an article of manufacture, a typewriter ribbon mount comprising a frame to extend substantially the width of the platen, having downwardly extending arms, parallel oblique pins at the lower ends of the respective arms, fiat sheet metal ribbon anchors pivotally mounted about the respective pins, each of said anchors having ribbon clasps parallel to said pivot and lengths of ribbon afllxed by said clasps and extending from one to the other of the anchors.

21. In a typewriting machine, an accessory including a holder, a pair of multiple ribbon supports pivoted to said holder, a plurality of superposed typewriter ribbons for simultaneous production of a number of ribbon copies between said supports, and a backing strip of metal connected to said pivoted supports and interposed between the typewriter ribbons and the platen to form a harder impact surface.

22. In a typewriting machine having a platen, a ribbon holder including pivoted support means for a plurality of substantially parallel typewriter ribbon lengths and for a metal ribbon carried by said support means for interposition between the typewriter ribbons and theplaten during use.

23. A ribbon mounting device for a typewriting machine having a platen, said device including a pair of ribbon anchors to be disposed at different parts of the length of the platen, each of said anchors comprising a unitary stamping having parallel ribbon locating slots, lengths of ribbon extending in substantially parallel strands between corresponding slots of the anchors, said anchors being movably disposed for separation or juxtaposition of the lengths of ribbon supported thereby.

24. In a typewriting machine, a ribbon holding accessory comprising a holding frame, ribbon anchor clips pivotally adjustable near opposite ends of said frame, substantially parallel lengths of ribbon supported by the respective anchor clips and extending from one to the other thereof, said frame having resilience to maintain said ribbon lengths under tension in all positions of adjustment.

25. In a typewriting machine, a ribbon holding accessory comprising a support frame, ribbon anchors pivoted near opposite ends of said frame and adapted to move in the same direction, each of said anchors comprising a sheet metal stamping having a plurality of parallel slots, and ribbon lengths supported at the respective slots and extending from one to the other of said anchors. 26. In a typewriting machine, a ribbon holder unit comprising a support frame having downwardly inclined pivot means near opposite ends thereof, ribbon anchor stampings pivotally mounted onsaid pivot means and having slots parallel to said supports, and ribbon lengths supported at their opposite ends at said slots and extending from one to the other of the anchor clips. 27. In a typewriting machine; a ribbon holder unit comprising a support frame having down- ,wardly inclined pivot means near opposite ends mounting frame 28. In a typewriting machine, the combination of aholder frame having downwardly inclined pivot pins, a pair of ribbon anchor clips having mounting loops embracing said mounting pins, each of said clips including a plurality of pairs of contiguous slots parallel to said pin and determining strapstherebetween and a plurality of parallel ribbon lengths, each having a metal hook formation at the end thereof straddling a strap of the anchor clip, whereby a plurality of ribbons extend in substantially parallel relation between the anchor clips and may be separated by pivoting said clips outwardly and may be brought into juxtaposition by bringing the anchor clips into substantially a common plane.

29. A multiple ribbon holder comprising a including detachable pivot mounts near the ends thereof, a pair of multiple ribbon anchors having quick-detachable releasable connection with respect to said mounts, each of said ribbon anchors comprising a flat structure having a plurality of parallel ribbon engaging parts.

30. A multiple ribbon holder comprising a pair of spaced retaining members, movable support means for extending a plurality of ribbon lengths between said members, and means for varying the vertical and horizontal spacing of said ribbon lengths during the movement of said support anchor pivotally mounted at the opposite arm ofthe' frame, both said anchors being constrained to pivot in unison and a plurality of ribbon lengths extending between and connected at their ends to the respective ribbon anchors.

32. As an article of manufacture, amu'ltiple sheet metal mounting clip having a unitary sheath for straddling a mounting arm and presenting a latching shoulder, a flat ribbon anchor clip coordinated with the inner edge of said mounting clip and a pintle pin affording a hinged connection of said anchor clip on said mounting clip, said flat ribbon anchor clip being constructed and arranged to maintain its ribbons in separate planes, when desired.

JULIUS C. HOCHMAN. 

